Deputy in Florida dies while delivering eviction notice in Indian River County

Deputy Killed While Serving Eviction Notice in Florida

A deputy from Florida tragically lost her life while serving an eviction notice on Friday morning. This was confirmed by officials from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

In a social media statement, they expressed their sorrow: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deputy Terry Sweeting-Maschkow, who died in the line of duty while loyally serving her community on November 21, 2025.” The statement added that her loss is profoundly felt by both the agency and the community she served.

Sheriff Eric Flowers shared during a news conference that Maschkow, aged 47, had dedicated 25 years and 16 days to the department.

Maschkow was responding to an eviction at a residence in the Bermuda Club, a gated community in Vero Beach. The eviction involved a mother and her son, Michael Halberstam.

“It’s a terrible day, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner,” Flowers noted to reporters.

As Maschkow, along with other deputies and a locksmith, approached the home, Halberstam reportedly armed himself and began firing shots at them.

One deputy sustained a shoulder injury but is recovering, while the locksmith was critically injured and is undergoing surgery. Halberstam is also in critical condition after being confronted by law enforcement.

The sheriff remarked that Maschkow’s death marks only the second line-of-duty death in the 100-year history of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

Maschkow began her career as a dispatcher 25 years ago, spent two decades on patrol, and transitioned to the legal process civil unit in 2023.

According to Flowers, Halberstam had a past record involving drug charges in 2006 and misdemeanor assault charges in Virginia in 2015. This month, the department received seven calls regarding Halberstam from his mother, which ultimately led to the eviction process.

Notably, Flowers mentioned that the suspect was not previously known to the department and described the eviction as a “standard citation.”

“Our members bravely go about their normal duties every day, and today’s incident is a stark reminder of the risks they face. Terry Sweeting-Maschkow, with 25 years of dedicated service, gave her life for this community,” he concluded.